FULL EPISODE: First Storms of the Season (S1, E1) | Storm Chasers

Summary

The premiere of the storm chasing series follows Sean Casey and his armored Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV) as they team up with meteorologist Dr. Josh Wurman and his Doppler on Wheels (DOW) to capture scientific data and elusive footage from inside a tornado.

Highlights

Introduction to the Mission and Teams00:01:21

Filmmaker Sean Casey explains his quest to capture the first-ever IMAX footage from inside a tornado using his custom-built 14,000-pound armored TIV. He joins forces with Dr. Josh Wurman, who uses his mobile Doppler on Wheels radar to track storms and provide scientific guidance.

Training and Deployment Strategy00:08:11

The team practices their intercept strategy, which involves deploying new steel 'probes' to collect ground-level data. The drill highlights the logistical complexity and danger of coordinating multiple vehicles in the path of a potential twister.

The First Real-World Chase00:12:23

The chase season begins in Kansas. The team encounters a 'Particularly Dangerous Situation' (PDS) storm near Tulia, Texas. Miscommunications and mechanical issues lead the team to miss the major tornado, which causes significant destruction to the local community.

Tension and Search for Success00:26:16

After several days of unsuccessful chasing, the team feels the immense pressure of their mission. Tensions rise as the team struggles to find the right storm, leading to frustration and intense, split-second decision-making by Dr. Wurman.

Successful TIV Intercept00:36:29

In a final push late at night, the TIV successfully drives into a tornado to collect scientific data for Dr. Wurman. While the lack of light prevents Sean from capturing his desired IMAX footage, the team survives the violent winds, proving the TIV's durability.